'Once' and 'Evita' coming to Chicago next fall

The first national tour of "Once," the Tony Award-winning musical based on the movie of the same name about an Irish street musican and his Czech angel, is headed to Chicago. "Once" will play the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for three weeks, beginning Oct. 9.

The other major tour headed to Chicago in the fall is the Broadway revival of "Evita," directed by Michael Grandage. It starred Ricky Martin on Broadway (but not on the road; casting has yet to be announced). "Evita" will also play for three weeks at the Oriental, Sept. 17 to Oct. 6.

The Queen-themed show "We Will Rock You" (a hit in London and seen in Las Vegas but never on Broadway) will play the Cadillac Palace (151 W. Randolph St.) for Oct. 22-27. And the Christmas attraction in the Loop will be "Elf the Musical," playing at the Cadillac Palace Nov. 26 to Dec. 15.

Broadway in Chicago also announced some summer programing, including "Buddy" at the Cadillac Palace for June 18-30 and "Flashdance" (which has not been on Broadway) July 30 to Aug. 11.

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